Powell River is often touted as a community that pays particular attention to accessibility.
Powell River can be proud of its record on including people with disabilities into its social and business fabric. However, some of the infrastructure in the City of Powell River falls short. In particular, the fact that the second floor of city hall is not accessible is an embarrassment. People with mobility issues can’t participate in either council or committee-of-the-whole meetings.
As Powell River’s population ages, accessibility issues become critical for a larger percentage of residents. Not being able to access the second floor at city hall will become more of an issue in the future.
While elected officials have recognized this issue in the past, nothing was actually done. That may change if the city is successful in receiving a federal government grant that will provide funds for an elevator at city hall, as well as one at Powell River Recreation Complex.
These changes are long overdue.
